Members of the Statutory Core Forum
New Members Sought in 2015 for Moray Local Outdoor Access Forum
New members are being sought for the body which promotes outdoor access across Moray.
Three vacancies have arisen on the Moray Local Outdoor Access Forum, which acts in an advisory capacity to Moray Council on matters relating to outdoor access.
The Forum has 20 core members with equal representation from four groups – public agencies, landowners and managers, community groups and countryside user groups.
There is currently one vacancy for a land manager representative and two access user positions, to commence March 2015 for a three year period. Membership is on a voluntary basis but travelling expenses will be reimbursed on request. Meetings are around four per year and member positions last for three years.
The Forum was set up following the introduction of new legislation to advise the Council when exercising powers and duties under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. It is representative of all stakeholders in outdoor access, i.e. land managers, communities, access users, agencies. The Forum seeks to reach agreement between a wide range of interests in an effort to reduce conflicts. It has been actively involved in a range of activities, including wind farm developments that affect access opportunities, Core Paths Planning and upholding public access rights.
It is currently exploring other areas of outdoor access it can become involved in.
Convener Michelle Gillibrand says:
“The Forum is an exciting opportunity to become directly involved in shaping the future of outdoor access in Moray.
It provides a unique platform, to balance the needs and interests of local communities, groups and individuals living and wishing to access the outdoors and those of the access providers and the local authority.
The Forum has been instrumental in planning for access, including the Core Path network within Moray. This has helped the long-term goals of safe and multi-user set of paths which give the people of Moray the benefit of outdoor access for recreation, sustainable transport and improved health.”
Ms Gillibrand adds, “Membership of the Forum is very rewarding, enjoyable and challenging. It is great to see people coming together from different aspects and points of view with regard to outdoor access and through mutual understanding can come up with creative ways forward to improve outdoor access for all in Moray.”
Get involved ………….this is an exciting opportunity to join the Forum and help shape the future of outdoor access in Moray.
- Click here for Guidance Notes for Applicants (PDF)
- Click here for the Application Form (PDF) or here for the Application Form (Word version)
Applications should be received no later than Friday 13th February 2015
For further details please contact:
I M Douglas, Moray Access Manager, email: ian.douglas@moray.gov.uk or telephone: 01343 557049